The Hunter-Gatherer theory of spatial sex differences: Proximate factors mediating the female advantage in recall of object arrays

Abstract

Based on their theory that sex differences in spatial abilities originated in human evolution as a function of division of labor, Silverman and Eals (1992) demonstrated in a series of studies that females consistently surpassed males in recall of locations of objects in a spatial array. The present studies were replications of the above, but with the inclusion of uncommon objects, for which subjects would not possess verbal labels. Female superiority for recall of locations of common objects as observed in Silverman and Eals was replicated across incidental and directed learning conditions. The female advantage occured as well for uncommon objects, but only under incidental learning conditions. Conjectures are offered regarding sex differences in attentional and imagery processes that could account for this pattern of results.